Water ski system

ABSTRACT

A water ski system which includes two essentially identical assemblies each assembly including a buoyant ski having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front, and a back configured to float on water. Each buoyant ski includes a pivoting paddle located on the bottom surface of the buoyant ski configured to deploy in a backwards motion and retract in a forward motion against a force of water in a motion similar to cross-country skiing. The device propels a user across water when manipulated. Each buoyant ski has a foot mount and a toe of a boot pivotally affixed to the top surface of the buoyant ski.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/445,144 filed Jan. 11, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of water skis and more specifically relates to a water ski system.

2. Description of Related Art

Water skiing is a surface water sport in which an individual is pulled behind a boat or a cable ski installation over a body of water, skimming the surface on two skis or one ski. Water skiers can use two skis or one ski. Generally the heavier the person, the bigger the skis will be. Length will also vary based on the type of water skiing being performed. Many individuals enjoy the art of surfing, but conventional surfing requires the user to lay flat on the surfboard when moving towards or away from the surf. This motion excludes the use of the legs, which are the most powerful muscle and requires that all the effort fall to the arms. This can result in the individual becoming prematurely fatigued and moving slowly in the water. A suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,959 to James Warren Demint relates to a personal water craft to enable a user to walk on water. The described personal water craft to enable a user to walk on water includes a water craft which allows a user to travel across a surface of water utilizing a natural walking motion, which employs arms and legs for propulsion similar to cross-country snow skiing. The water craft includes a pair of skis adapted to fit on the user's feet. The skis can be coupled together by semi-elastic tethers. Each ski can include a foot well for receiving the user's foot. The foot well is designed to simulate the natural walking motion of the user. The user can propel the water craft using tail paddles and ski poles. The tail paddles are coupled to the rear of the skis. The tail paddles are configured to float on the water and to rotate about a transverse axis of the skis. The tail paddles are shaped to grip or “dig in” the water in response to the user moving the skis in a direction opposite the direction of motion of the water craft. The tail paddles provide resistance to propel the water craft when the ski is moved backward and slide along the water when the skis move forward. The ski poles include a paddle shaped to grip or “dig in” in response to the user pushing backwards on the ski poles. The paddle provides resistance to the backwards motion to propel the water craft forward. When the user pulls the ski poles forward, the paddles surface and slide across the water as the water craft moves forward.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known water ski art, the present disclosure provides a novel water ski system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a set of skis to enable a user to move on a surface of water in a similar motion as with a cross country ski. The device provides a cross ocean ski that allows for buoyancy, with a fixed fin for stabilization and one or more paddles that rotate on a hinge.

A water ski system is disclosed herein. The water ski system comprising two essentially identical assemblies each assembly including a buoyant ski having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front, and a back configured to float on water. Each buoyant ski includes a pivoting paddle located on the bottom surface of the buoyant ski configured to deploy in a backwards motion and retract in a forward motion against a force of water in a motion similar to cross-country skiing. The assemblies also include a ski pole having a distal end and a proximal end; the distal end having a cupping member and the proximal end having a user-handle. The cupping member may be configured to further propel the user across water when manipulated. Each buoyant ski has a foot mount and a toe of a boot pivotally affixed to the top surface of the buoyant ski. The boot is configured to receive a foot of a user and rotate on a pivoting member able to manipulate the pivoting paddle with foot movement.

The buoyant ski may further comprise a fixed-fin located on the bottom surface of the buoyant ski at the back. The front of the buoyant ski comprises a semi-curved profile for cutting waves. The buoyant ski is configured to provide floatation means having sufficient buoyancy and stability to allow the user to maintain balance on a surface of the water. The pivoting paddle is coupled to the bottom surface of the buoyant ski on a paddle hinge that allows for backward movement to allow low friction moving forward, but remains effectively vertical when moving backwards. The paddle hinge may be located inside the buoyant ski to reduce friction. The boot comprises a flexible material for form fitting the foot of the user. A heel of the boot is non-affixed to the buoyant ski allowing for the user to raise one's heels with each step approximate a normal walking motion. The pivoting member is configured to release when certain force-limits are exceeded to avoid injury. The ski pole provides resistance based on the force that is required to submerge a buoyant object. The ski pole is buoyant and provides a floatation device.

A kit is also disclosed herein including a pair of buoyant skis, and a pair of ski poles.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a water ski system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the water ski system during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the water ski system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the water ski system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the water ski system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the water ski system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to water skis and more particularly to a water ski system as used to improve the water ski system.

Generally, the present invention utilizes a set of boards to enable a user to move on the surface of water in a similar motion as with a cross country ski. It provides a cross ocean ski that allows for buoyancy, with a fixed fin for stabilization and one or more paddles that rotate on a hinge. This allows users to push water backwards when moving their legs backwards in order to move forward in the water using their legs. It enables the user to move both legs freely to move easily in any direction on the water.

The present invention affords users the ability to approach waves and catch them in a surf-like manner, but while using movements similar to skiing, as opposed to conventional surfing. Water ski system offers a set of cross-country like skis designed to function on water. The skis are comprised of a rubber boot with a hinge in front that is affixed to the top of a highly floating board. Below the board, a fin is fixed to the surface of the board to provide stability. The fin may be made molded to the board or affixed using glue, screws, or other means. The bottom paddle or paddles may be fixed below the board on a hinge that allows for backward movement to allow low friction moving forward, but remains vertical when moving backwards.

To avoid friction, the paddle hinge may be inside the board, in a groove made for this purpose. The boots are designed to fit snugly and are available in various sizes. In use, the skis are designed to float enough to remain above water with a person on top. In the application of surfing strong waves, the hinge may be designed to give away for safety reasons. The binding of the present invention releases the boot when the binding is over stressed by forces acting in any direction.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, various views of a water ski system 100. FIG. 1 shows a water ski system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the water ski system 100 may include two essentially identical assemblies each assembly 110 including a buoyant ski 120 having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front, and a back configured to float on water. The buoyant ski 120 further comprising a pivoting paddle 124 located on the bottom surface of the buoyant ski 120 configured to deploy in a backwards motion and retract in a forward motion against a force of water in a motion similar to cross-country skiing. The buoyant ski 120 comprises a foot mount 126 and a toe of a boot 128 pivotally affixed to the top surface of the buoyant ski 120; the boot 128 configured to receive a foot of a user and rotate on a pivoting member 130 able to manipulate the pivoting paddle 124 with foot movement. The assemblies 110 also include a ski pole 132 having a distal end and a proximal end; the distal end having a cupping member 134 and the proximal end having a user-handle 136. The cupping member 134 configured to further propel the user 144 across water when manipulated.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the water ski system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the water ski system 100 may include the boot 128 attached to the buoyant ski 120 via a pivoting member 130. The boot 128 may be removable from the pivoting member 130. In a preferred embodiment, a heel 129 of the boot 128 is non-affixed to the buoyant ski 120 allowing for the user 144 to raise one's heels with each step approximate a normal walking motion or cross-country skiing motion. The pivoting member 130 is configured to release when certain force-limits are exceeded to avoid injury.

The buoyant ski 120 further comprises a fixed-fin 138 located on the bottom surface of the buoyant ski 120 at the back. The front of the buoyant ski 120 comprises a semi-curved profile. The buoyant ski 120 is configured to provide floatation means having sufficient buoyancy and stability to allow the user 144 to maintain balance on a surface of the water. The pivoting paddle 124 is coupled to the bottom surface of the buoyant ski 120 on a paddle hinge 140 that allows for backward movement to allow low friction moving forward, but remains effectively vertical when moving backwards. The paddle hinge 140 is located inside the buoyant ski 120 to reduce friction. In a preferred embodiment, the pivoting member 130 is configured to release when certain force-limits are exceeded to avoid injury.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the water ski system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the water ski system 100 may include two essentially identical assemblies 110 each assembly 110 including a buoyant ski 120, a pivoting paddle 124, a foot mount 126, and a ski pole 132. The ski pole 132 provides resistance based on the force that is required to submerge a buoyant object. The ski pole 132 is buoyant and provides a floatation device. The ski pole 132 includes a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes a cupping member and the proximal end having a user-handle. The cupping member 134 configured to further propel the user 144 across water when manipulated.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of the water ski system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the water ski system 100 may include a foot mount 126 and a boot 128 comprising a flexible material for form fitting the foot of the user 144. The flexible material may include silicone, rubber, plastic or other suitable material configured to conform to the foot of the user 144 similar to a scuba or snorkeling fin. In a preferred embodiment, the heel 129 of the boot 128 is non-affixed to the buoyant ski 120 allowing for the user 144 to raise one's heels. The buoyant ski 120 is configured to provide floatation means having sufficient buoyancy and stability to allow the user 144 to maintain balance on a surface of the water. The pivoting paddle 124 is coupled to the bottom surface of the buoyant ski 120 on a paddle hinge 140. The paddle hinge 140 may be located inside the buoyant ski to reduce friction.

FIG. 5 shows another perspective view of the water ski system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the water ski system 100 may include two assemblies each assembly including a buoyant ski 120, a pivoting paddle 124, a foot 126 mount, and a ski pole 132. In some embodiments, the buoyant ski 120 may comprise more than one pivoting paddle 124. In other embodiments, the buoyant ski 120 may comprise exactly one pivoting paddle 124. The heel of the boot 128 may be affixed to the buoyant ski 120 via a heel-locking member.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. A water ski system comprising two essentially identical assemblies each assembly including: a buoyant ski having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front, and a back configured to float on water; a pivoting paddle located on the bottom surface of the buoyant ski configured to deploy in a backwards motion and retract in a forward motion against a force of water in a motion similar to cross-country skiing; a foot mount and a toe of a boot pivotally affixed to the top surface of at least one said buoyant ski, the boot configured to receive a foot of a user and rotate on a pivoting member able to manipulate the pivoting paddle with foot movement; and a ski pole having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having a cupping member and the proximal end having a user-handle, the cupping member configured to further propel the user across water when manipulated.
 2. The water ski system of claim 1, wherein the boot is removable from the pivoting member.
 3. The water ski system of claim 1, wherein a heel of the boot is non-affixed to the buoyant ski allowing for the user to raise one's heels with each step approximate a normal walking motion.
 4. The water ski system of claim 1, wherein the pivoting member is configured to release when certain force-limits are exceeded to avoid injury.
 5. The water ski system of claim 1, wherein the buoyant ski further comprises a fixed-fin located on the bottom surface of the buoyant ski at the back.
 6. The water ski system of claim 1, wherein the ski pole provides resistance based on the force that is required to submerge a buoyant object.
 7. The water ski system of claim 1, wherein the ski pole is buoyant and provides a floatation device.
 8. The water ski system of claim 1, wherein the boot comprises a flexible material for form fitting the foot of the user.
 9. The water ski system of claim 8, wherein the flexible material selected from a group including silicone, rubber, plastic configured to conform to the foot of the user.
 10. The water ski system of claim 1, wherein the buoyant ski is configured to provide floatation means having sufficient buoyancy and stability to allow the user to maintain balance on a surface of the water.
 11. The water ski system of claim 1, wherein the pivoting paddle is coupled to the bottom surface of the buoyant ski on a paddle hinge that allows for backward movement to allow low friction moving forward, but remains effectively vertical when moving backwards.
 12. The water ski system of claim 11, wherein the paddle hinge is located inside the buoyant ski to reduce friction.
 13. The water ski system of claim 1, wherein the front of the buoyant ski comprises a semi-curved profile.
 14. The water ski system of claim 1, wherein the buoyant ski comprises more than one pivoting paddle.
 15. The water ski system of claim 1, wherein the buoyant ski comprises exactly one pivoting paddle.
 16. The water ski system of claim 1, wherein the heel of the boot is affixed to the buoyant ski via a heel-locking member.
 17. A water ski system comprising two essentially identical assemblies each assembly including: a buoyant ski having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front, and a back configured to float on water; a pivoting paddle located on the bottom surface of the buoyant ski configured to deploy in a backwards motion and retract in a forward motion against a force of water in a motion similar to cross-country skiing; a ski pole having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having a cupping member and the proximal end having a user-handle, the cupping member configured to further propel the user across water when manipulated; a foot mount and a toe of a boot pivotally affixed to the top surface of at least one said buoyant ski, the boot configured to receive a foot of a user and rotate on a pivoting member able to manipulate the pivoting paddle with foot movement; wherein the buoyant ski further comprises a fixed-fin located on the bottom surface of the buoyant ski at the back; wherein the front of the buoyant ski comprises a semi-curved profile; wherein the buoyant ski is configured to provide floatation means having sufficient buoyancy and stability to allow the user to maintain balance on a surface of the water; wherein the pivoting paddle is coupled to the bottom surface of the buoyant ski on a paddle hinge that allows for backward movement to allow low friction moving forward, but remains effectively vertical when moving backwards; wherein the paddle hinge is located inside the buoyant ski to reduce friction; wherein the boot comprises a flexible material for form fitting the foot of the user; wherein a heel of the boot is non-affixed to the buoyant ski allowing for the user to raise one's heels with each step approximate a normal walking motion; wherein the pivoting member is configured to release when certain force-limits are exceeded to avoid injury; wherein the ski pole provides resistance based on force that is required to submerge a buoyant object; and wherein the ski pole is buoyant and provides a floatation device.
 18. The water ski system of claim 17, further comprising a pair of buoyant skis, and a pair of ski poles; and wherein the water ski system is arranged as a kit. 